limiting factor
Americannoun
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Physiology. the slowest, therefore rate-limiting, step in a process or reaction involving several steps.
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Biology. an environmental factor that tends to limit population size.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The answer is that the real limiting factor for a racing driver as they age is mental rather than physical, as long as they are able to continue to meet the bodily demands.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
The global supply chain for Patriot components may be a limiting factor beyond Kyiv’s control.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
“The limiting factor for expansion is really rigorous validation, making sure things are completely safe,” Musk said on a call with investors in April.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 1, 2026
However, the new findings clearly show that oxygen diffusion within flight muscle tracheoles is not the limiting factor.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 25, 2026
“The short life span has always been a prime limiting factor in education,” he told George and Julie.
From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.